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Publishers Sue Google Over AI Copyright Infringement
16 Jan
Summary
- Publishers seek to join lawsuit against Google for alleged AI data misuse.
- Allegation: Google copied Hachette books and Cengage textbooks for AI training.
- The case involves visual artists suing Google over AI image generator training.
Two major publishers, Hachette Book Group and Cengage Group, have requested permission to intervene in a class action lawsuit against Google. Filed on Thursday, January 15, 2026, their proposed complaint accuses Google of engaging in widespread copyright infringement to build its artificial intelligence capabilities.
The publishers contend that Google copied content from Hachette books and Cengage textbooks without authorization, likening the action to one of history's most prolific infringements. Their participation aims to strengthen the existing case, which was initially brought by visual artists alleging misuse of their work for an AI image generator.
This intervention highlights the growing high-stakes legal battles between copyright holders and technology companies over AI training data. The publishers are seeking unspecified monetary damages, and U.S. District Judge Eumi Lee will determine if they can join the ongoing legal proceedings.
